Truckers Rolling Against Hepatitis C; Launches At Great American Truck Show

Several organizations are partnering to launch the Truckers Rolling Against Hepatitis C initiative at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas, Texas. The Healthy Trucking Association of America (HTAA), Abbvie and OraSure Technologies Inc. (OSUR) are joining forces to encourage testing among our nation’s professional truck drivers. The initiative will begin on the first day of the Great American Trucking Show, which is August 21st. It will run for the remainder of the truck show and this fall. Hepatitis C testing stations will be put up all over the country beginning after the event.

“We are dedicated to helping our fellow drivers receive the most accurate information and care options to keep them healthy and providing for their families,” said Bill Gordon, chief executive officer of The Healthy Trucking Association of America. “Together, working with AbbVie and OraSure, we are committed to helping educate drivers at tradeshows, terminals, truck-stops and wherever else they are to learn if they are at risk for this treatable disease.”

According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 5.2 million Americans have been exposed to or are infected with HCV1 and 75 percent of them don’t even know they have it. 50 percent of baby boomers are 5 times more likely to have HCV then other adults. The largest percentage of truck drivers are born in this era, 1945-1965. 8.5 percent of baby boomer truck drivers has HCV.

“It is our goal that the Truckers Rolling Against Hepatitis C campaign will increase screening on a broad scale for this at-risk population segment and enable them to receive care,” said Douglas A. Michels, president and chief executive officer of OraSure Technologies. “Working with AbbVie, the Healthy Trucking Association of America and their wellness partners, we will be able to reach more professional drivers where they work and live, on our nation’s highways.”

Anyone that is aware of the trucking industry knows that statistically, truck drivers are one of the unhealthiest professions in America. I’m sure many trucking professionals and executives may feel that this is a “slap in the face” per say but I think differently. The Healthy Trucking Association of America does great work, they are a non-profit organization. This is a great start as we try to find solutions to help truck driver be healthier. Their website and staff is dedicated to helping truck drivers get healthy. The Truckers Rolling Against Hepatitis C Campaign is a great cause and we wish them much success during operation.